camping...

Andy and I LOVE camping and basically anything that involves being outdoors.  That is why when we didn't get out camping once last year, it really made us sad.  It also made us determined to get out this year as much as our schedules allowed.  

Now, our first camping adventure is upon us and I can hardly stand my excitement.  Everything is packed and ready to go.  I love thinking that this will be Gizmo's first camping trip and that there will be many more to come.  

CLARIFICATION: I want to clarify something now, we are not backpacking campers by any means.  We are definitely car campers and bring all of our comforts from home with us to the outdoors.  We used to have ambitions to be backpackers and travel lightly, but then we had way too much fun at REI getting all of the gadgets that are available for camping that make it like your home, but in the outdoors.  We have our technology, a kitchen sink, a table top grill, super thick thermarests, and a tub full of essentials.  


With that in mind...

We headed up to Turquoise Lake, which is right outside of Leadville (about 2 hours from Denver).  There are many campsites on this lake, but we chose May Queen, which was a good combination of tent and RV campers, had super friendly campground hosts fresh on to retirement, and breathtaking views.  

  
Our first night, we settled in and immediately started a fire.  We read books and talked by the flames and then headed in for a good night's rest.  

The next morning, we started that fire right up because it was quite chilly.  We lounged around, made some eats and read some more.  

This trip was definitely about relaxing and unwinding for us.  We didn't plan any hikes or day trips.  We were happy to be together out in nature and be lazy.  I am pretty sure we succeeded with this goal...

We even managed to catch some snapshots of the growing bump (Gizmo's the size of an avocado)!

As it was time to leave on Sunday and head back to Denver, we were wishing we could stay longer (if only the campground had a shower, of course).  But, it only made us anticipate our next camping adventure.  

There are so many little things in camping for us...being in touch with nature, fresh air, quiet, losing track of time and not caring, quality time with each other, a chance to be dirty, opportunities to communicate openly...and the list could go on.  Ultimately, we leave feeling better than when we arrived and we are filled with an appreciation for where we live with an abundance of amazing getaways at our doorstep.